Beats Solo 2 vs Solo 3: Pros & Cons and Verdict

Why do we spend so much time and money on buying headphones? This is a question that some will answer differently to others. Maybe you need the best sound for your work, or you can’t listen to music on sub-par headphones. It does not matter what your reasons are, it all boils down to one simple fact. We do it for better sound.

Beats by Dre is one of those brands that is committed to giving you the sound the musicians intended. But does it matter which model you choose? Aren’t all models created equal? No. Let us help you find the best model for your needs.

Beats Solo 2 vs Solo 3: Pros & Cons and Verdict

Beats Solo HD is the model of on-ear headphones that made expensive headphones all the rage. Beats Solo HD is what helped launch the brand. Now it is up to Solo 2 and Solo 3 to carry that success. There is little difference between the two on the outside, but if you look inside, you might as well be looking at two different brands.

1. Design

Beats Solo 2 is a lightweight and versatile pair of headphones. They are sleek and come in the signature Beats style. To connect to your device you will need to use the cable that has a built-in microphone and remote. The remote can be used to skip songs, adjust the volume and a few other neat tricks. Although these features work better on iOS devices.

You can learn more about the connectivity further in this post. The headphones are able to fold down neatly which makes it easier for you to carry around. You also get a complimentary carrying case. This model focuses on versatility and portability without distracting from the style.

The Solo 3 model also focuses on versatility and style, but it comes with a few features that you won’t find on the Solo 2 model. The Solo 3 headphones are wireless and feature a multi-purpose button on the right earcup along with a few other controls.

The headphones are amazingly light considering the fact that they are wireless. Usually, the manufacturer has to sacrifice the weight in favor of the newest technology, but the Solo 3 headphones are only slightly heavier than its wired counterpart. The Solo 3 also folds down into an easily managed size and can be carried around with ease.

2. Sound Quality

Beats products focus on the bass. In the Solo HD model, this was a bit of a curse since the heavy bass distorted the music and made the sound unclear. The Solo 2 model still has a lot of bass, but the sound is a lot clearer. If you listen to music with a critical ear, then this is not the model for you. There is a definite emphasis on the lows and highs with the mids not being as clear as they should be which leads to a hyped up sound.

Thankfully, the bass is not overwhelming. The soundstage is decent which leads to a clear sound experience that prefers hype to accuracy.

Once again, the Solo 3 model focuses more on fun than on clarity. The headphones prominently feature heavy bass but lack the detailed treble to balance it out. The headphones do not have a slow and sluggish bassline, but the bass does tend to drown out the other features of music.

This is not a bad thing if you aren’t looking for a clean-cut sound, but experienced audiophiles will not be happy with the results. They are fun and loud, but not detailed or aimed at close listeners. This sound is aimed at people who want to dance or want a party-type sound.

The sound is not slow or unclear like you would expect from cheap headphones, but they are a little harsher and more hard-hitting than other brands or types. Although, the Beats brand is focused on energy and entertainment.

3. In The Box

You would be able to see a Beats by Dre product from a mile away. This brand is focused on their style, which makes sense since it is what the brand was built on and around. This means that the box is no different. With the Solo 2 model, the outer part of the box should match the color you are buying, set against a sleek black backdrop. The inside part is a vibrant red and your headphones will be nestled inside a soft carrying case.

Along with the headphones, you will also find the warranty information, a 3.5 mm cable, a manual, a carabiner, and a sticker. The box is very attractive and features bold embossed branding. You will want to walk out of the shop with the box in your hands so that everyone can recognize the brand.

The Solo 3’s box looks different from the Solo 2. It comes with a white sleeve that slips off to reveal a matte black box. Once you open the box there is a wall of text that we have become used to seeing in Apple product boxes.

Of course, the Solo 3 model was made with Apple in mind, so that is not much of a surprise. Inside the box, you get a free soft carrying case, a 3.5 mm cable to connect to other devices, a carabiner, an information booklet, a charging cable and the complementary Beats sticker.

In terms of extras, Solo 2 and Solo 3 seem to be evenly matched because you get the same amount of equipment in both boxes.

4. Connectivity

If you want to connect to the headphones using Bluetooth, then Solo 2 is not the model for you. You have to buy Solo 2 Wireless which is bulkier and has some trouble connecting to various devices. Thankfully, there is tech support for that sort of thing. The only way to connect the devices is by using the 3.5mm cable with a built-in microphone and remote.

The cable is fairly standard, so that if it breaks then you can replace it with a similar cable. This is different from a few other brands and is a big plus for the Solo 2. If you need a cable to connect, then be happy that it is a standard cable without specialized connections. The remote has three buttons, but only one of the buttons will work on Android devices. The buttons work better on iOS devices. The microphone works well, but this is not the type of headphones you want to use for work or making phone calls.

Connectivity is where the Solo 3 model shines. If you have an Apple device, pairing via Bluetooth is seamless and fun. All you have to do is press a button and your headphones will connect to every device on your iCloud account.

Solo 3 is on the forefront of Bluetooth technology. If you’re not using an iOS device, connecting will be a little more difficult and you will have to go through the same old processes. Like every other Bluetooth connection, the headphones will connect to the closest device. Since you need to keep your device close to you anyway, you do not need to worry about your headphones unpairing while you go for a run.

5. Comfort

Unfortunately, Solo 2 features an on-ear style instead of over-the-ear. This usually leads to some discomfort and is not always a favorite among users. Thankfully, Beats put some effort into the comfort aspects to ensure that your ears don’t start hurting after a little while. The headphones are adjustable so that you can find the right size for your head.

They also feature soft-touch material on the band that keeps your head comfortable and the headphones from slowly climbing off. This means that you can exercise without worrying about your headphones flying off. The leather earcups also fit comfortably over your ears. Your ears might start hurting after a little while, but if you take the headphones off and rest for a little while, you will be able to comfortably use them again.

The Solo 3 headphones are as comfortable as the Solo 2 if not more so. The headphones can be adjusted to sit snugly over your head and “clamps” down properly without being too tight. They will not fall off easily and will not feel as though they are falling off. The earcups are covered with leather that seals well and is very comfortable.

Please note that the leather will soften in time and it will take some getting used to. Since the headphones seal so well, your ears will start to overheat in a little while. This can be easily fixed and does not present too much danger. It is just slightly uncomfortable. All you need to do is remove the headphones for a little while before using them again.

Solo 2

Solo 3

6. Style

Beats by Dre is all about style. Thankfully, they don’t do style over substance, but they have some of the most stylish headphones on the market. Solo 2 is no exception. It is sleek and compact, showing of Beats’ flair for style. The headphones come in all sorts of colors and you can choose between glossy and matte versions of your favorite color.

Unlike other premium headphones, this model has sleek and clean edges. They look refined and expensive while exuding that distinctive Beats style. There are no bulky elements and the headphones will not stick too far out from your head.

The style is so light that you will forget that you’re wearing them over your ears. One source of concern is that the glossy finish attracts greasy fingerprints like you cannot believe. So, wherever possible, go for a matte finish.

The Solo 3 does not look all that different from Solo 2, and you probably won’t be able to tell the difference by just looking at them. This does not mean that there is no change in the style. Since the Solo 3 is mostly wireless, it is slightly bulkier than its predecessor but not so bulky that it loses the signature sleek style that Beats offers all its customers. You can choose from a variety of matte and glossy colors. The colors almost perfectly match the newest iPhone models so you can choose to match your headphones to your iOS products.

7. Battery

The Solo 2 model charges via a USB cable and will take about 2 hours to charge fully. When the battery is fully charged you will get about 11 hours out of the advertised 12 from your headphones. This is enough to last most people a few days, but if you’re a dedicated audiophile then you will have to charge your headphones every second day.

The battery holds up well, but if you leave them on when you’re not using them then the battery will drain much more quickly. Be sure to switch your headphones off every time you’re not using them. If you run out of battery and need to connect, you can use the audio cable.

The Solo 3 model can be used for an amazing 40 hours, which is more than double what you get from the previous model. This significant change is thanks to the enhanced software in the headphones. Of course, the battery power depends on how much you use the headphones. If you are used to blasting music at the highest volume, then the battery will only last for about 32 hours.

If you use the headphones with the average volume then you will get your full 40 hours. The headphones also charge very quickly, so you will not have to wait too long before using them again. In fact, Apple claims that 5 minutes of charging gave them 3 hours of battery life, which is great if you ever find yourself strapped for time.

8. Value for Money

When it comes to value for money, you want to know if the headphones are worth the hefty price tag. The Solo 2 model is made from plastic but doesn’t feel too brittle. They are not the most flexible model on the market, but they will not break easily. There are also no visible screws or elements that will rust or snap easily.

The Solo 2 model is built to fold up, and some of these components might break or get dusty. The sound is not the best, but it is also not the worst. The cable will eventually need to be replaced, but it should not break easily. Except for the sleek design and improved sound, the Solo 2 does not offer anything remarkable.

On the other hand, the Solo 3 offers innovative software that makes it an exciting buy. Apple claims that the W1 connectivity chip is to thank for the advanced connectivity and performance. We have not seen anything that contradicts this statement. In fact, the Solo 3 model is known for its long-lasting battery and easy connectivity.

In terms of sound, there are some improvements but most of the improvements were on the wireless technology. Like the Solo 2, the Solo 3 is mostly made from plastic. It is not a fragile product, but you wouldn’t want to drop your headphones too often, especially not when it comes with a high price tag.

9. Beats Solo 2 vs Solo 3: The Pros and Cons

Not all products are perfect, and the best way to find the model for you is by weighing the pros and cons. You need to ask if the pros are worth the cons or what will be a dealbreaker for you. We have compiled a list of pros and cons for both models and provided a brief summary of each product.

Beats Solo 2

This model took over from the Beats Solo HD which launched the popularity of premium headphones. Unfortunately, the Solo HD did not have the best sound. Solo 2 was supposed to fix the sound problems and continue the brand’s pattern of popularity and exclusivity.

Beats Solo 2 is a great pair of headphones. They offer a fun sound that isn’t necessarily dynamic, but it will work for most users. It lasts for a while and you don’t have to charge it too often. There are a few design flaws, but this is true of every product on the market. Beats might be a little pricey, but like this model proves, their headphones are sleek and stylish.

This model is definitely a wonderful addition to their range and it achieved its purpose. It is better than the Solo HD model. If nothing else, technology must always move forward, even if it’s not by much.

Beats Solo 3

In case you did not know, Beats worked very closely with Apple when it came to the Solo 3 model. This means that Apple helped to improve the wireless technology and battery life in the headphones. The Solo 3 does not look too different from the Solo 2, but that is because most of the changes were implemented inside the headphones. The only drawback is that the Solo 3 works better with iOS devices. Of course, this is not a problem if you have an iOS device.

The Solo 3 model boasts some incredibly innovative technology. Thanks to the partnership with Apple, these headphones excel expectations but they also have a few problems that might bother some users. As mentioned before, this model works better with iOS devices which is only a problem if you don’t have an iOS device.

The focus of this product was on improving the battery life and connectivity, but not on sound. There were only a few improvements on sound, but it does have Beats’ signature energetic and fun focus, even if the bass is a little dominant for most tastes.

Beats Solo 2 vs Solo 3: The Verdict

The time has arrived to make a decision. We have looked at the features of both products and weighed up their pros and cons. Both have their strong points, but they also have their weaknesses which need to be taken into account. So, what is the answer? Which product is better?

Put simply, the answer is up to you. The product that you buy depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you are looking to replace an outdated model, then Solo 2 is a decent choice. It is not as expensive as Solo 3 and it has some decent features.

It is a great choice if you’re not a dedicated audiophile and if you want the distinction that comes with Beats products. The sound is fun and energetic and much better than the sound of the Solo HD model. It also works well with non-iOS products, which cannot be said for the Solo 3. If you have a different device and don’t want to spend that much money, then the Solo 2 will work well for you.

On the other hand, if this is your first Beats model, then it might be better to buy the Solo 3 model. It is the latest in wireless technology and has better sound than the Solo 2. The battery life will last much longer and the wireless design is fantastic.

We would recommend the Solo 3 for iOS users, although keep in mind that the headphones will connect properly to anything lower than an iPhone 7. The Solo 3 is ideal for seasoned Beats users as well. If you’re looking to upgrade, then you can’t do better than the latest model in the Solo range.

Features

Design

Support

Stability

4.9

Summary

Bose Solo 2 and Solo 3 are the best-selling headphones with top-notch features, capabilities and sound. If you’re looking for a quality pair, you have to choose between these two.

Beats Solo 2 vs Solo 3, which is better? The answer can vary from user to user, but if you cannot make up your mind then we recommend Solo 3.

Solo 2 is a great model, but there isn’t anything remarkable about the device. The Solo 3 model comes with a wide variety of innovative features that make it remarkable. When in doubt, choose the innovative and remarkable.